Portable information processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A portable information processing apparatus includes a first member provided with an information display unit and a second member provided with an information input unit. The first member has an outer surface for exposing the information display unit, and the second member has an outer surface for exposing the information input unit. A hinge member connects the first and second members with each other so that the first and second members are pivotable between: (i) a portable position in which the first and second members overlap such that the outer surface of the first member and the outer surface of the second member oppose each other, and (ii) an open position in which the outer surface of the first member and the outer surface of the second member are moved away from each other. An angle detector detects at least one of an angle of substantially 180° and 360° between the first and second members while the first and second members are rotated in the open position. A photographing unit can perform a photographing operation when the angle detector detects at least one of 180° and 360° between the first and second members. The information display unit provided in the first member includes a display for displaying photographic image information obtained by the photographing unit. The information input unit provided in the second member includes at least one of: (i) a photographic conditions setting device for setting various photographing conditions of the photographing unit, and (ii) a shutter release device for controlling a shutter of the photographing unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable information processingapparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, portable information processing apparatuses including anotebook personal computer (having a standard pocket book size), asubnotebook size personal computer (having a size smaller than theordinary notebook size), an electronic notebook (having a standardpocketbook size or palm size), and the like have become known well. Theinformation processing ability and the packing density of these portableinformation processing apparatuses are increasing year by year, and thenumber of functions of these portable information processing apparatusesis also increasing.

Very small sized portable information processing apparatuses such as theabove described subnote type personal computer, the electronicpocketbook, and the like, each having a function for treating imageinformation, have also been developed. Further, an informationprocessing apparatus which processes image information inputted thereinas digital data and which also has a photographing function portion forperforming photographing, has also been proposed.

Japanese Utility Model Application KOKOKU publication No. 6-15316(published on Apr. 20, 1994) discloses an apparatus entitled anelectronic memorandum having a photographing apparatus. This apparatushas a light collecting device for collecting light on an imaging surfaceof a charge coupled device, with the collecting device being arranged ata position near to a liquid crystal display surface of an electronicmemorandum (electronic pocketbook). The Japanese Utility ModelApplication KOKOKU publication No. 6-15316, however, does not disclosefeatures such as how an operating portion for setting a photographingaction mode in the apparatus is constructed and how a user may recognizewhether or not the photographing action mode is set.

In electronic still cameras, which are essentially apparatuses forphotographing, miniaturization and multi-functioning have progressed,and electronic still cameras with a reproducing device for reproducingan image after it is photographed have been proposed.

Japanese Utility Model Application KOKOKU publication No. 7-3735(published on Jan. 30, 1995) discloses an apparatus entitled a camerawith a reproducing apparatus. This apparatus, like an electronicpocketbook, has a hinge portion and two portions which are rotatablearound the hinge portion so that the two portions can be opened andclosed with respect to each other. The two portions are constructed by ahousing divided into two portions of a display device portion and arecording/reproducing portion. In this apparatus, a photographing can beperformed through a photographing window provided on one end surfaceside of the hinge portion when the display device portion is pivoted toa closed position at which the display device portion overlaps therecording/reproducing device, and a reproduction of a recorded image canbe performed through a reproducing display of the display device portionwhen the display device portion is pivoted to move away from an uppersurface of the recording/reproducing portion so that the display deviceand the recording/reproducing device are arranged at a right angle withrespect to one another. A limit switch for detecting whether the displaydevice portion and the recording/reproducing portion are in an openstate or in the closed state is provided. When the open state isdetected, this electronic still camera automatically changes its actionmode to a reproducing action mode. The apparatus disclosed in theJapanese Utility Model Application KOKOKU publication No. 7-3735,however, does not respond to a recent strong desire for an electronicstill camera for photographing and reproducing a recorded image whichhas various information processing functions and a photo-graphingfunction and which has a superior operability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a portableinformation processing apparatus which comprises a first member, asecond member, and a hinge member.

The first member is provided with an information display unit and has anouter surface in which the information display unit is exposed. Thesecond member is provided with an information input unit and has anouter surface in which the information input unit is exposed. The hingemember pivotally connects the first and second members with each otherso that the first and second members can be pivotable between a portableposition, where the first and second members overlap each other whilethe outer surface of the first member exposing the information displayunit and the outer surface of the second member exposing the informationinput unit oppose each other, and an open position, where the outersurfaces of the first and second members are moved away from each otherto separate the first and second members from each other.

The apparatus of the present invention further comprises an angledetector for detecting an angle of substantially 180° or 360° betweenthe first and second members while the first and second members arerotated in the open position, and a photographing unit which can performphotographing when the angle of substantially 180° or 360° between thefirst and second members is detected by the angle detector.

In this aspect, the portable information processing apparatus of thepresent invention is essentially distinct from the above describedconventional electronic still camera (Japanese Utility Model ApplicationKOKOKU publication No. 7-3735).

In particular, the photographing unit of the present invention canperform photographing when the angle of substantially 180° or 360°between the first and second members is detected by the angle detector.This feature is not disclosed in the Japanese Utility Model ApplicationKOKOKU publication No. 7-3735.

In the above described aspect of the present invention, thephotographing unit can be provided in the hinge member, and the first orsecond member can be provided with a microphone.

When the first member is provided with an electronic flash, the secondmember can be provided with an information processing unit.

Alternatively, when the first member is provided with an informationprocessing unit, the second member can be provided with an electronicflash.

In the above described aspect of the present invention, thephotographing unit is provided in the first member. In this case, thesecond member may be provided with a microphone.

In a case that the photographing unit is provided in the first memberand the electronic flash is provided in the second member, thephotographing unit and the electronic flash can be arranged such thatthey are most close to each other when the first and second members arelocated at the portable portion or the 360° open position in which theangle between the first and second members is 360°, and are most movedaway from each other when the first and second members are located at a180° open position in which the angle between the first and secondmembers is 180°.

The first member can further be provided with an information processingunit.

When the photographing unit is provided in the first member, thephotographing unit can be exposed at an end surface of the first memberwhich is located opposite to a connecting portion of the first member tothe hinge member.

When the second member is provided with the photographing unit, thefirst member can be provided with the microphone.

In a case that the first member is further provided with an electronicflash, the photographing unit and the electronic flash can be arrangedsuch that they are most close to each other when the first and secondmembers are located at the portable position or the 360° open positionin which the angle between the first and second members is 360°, and aremoved away from each other when the first and second members are locatedat a 180° open position in which the angle between the first and secondmember is 180°.

In this case, the second member can be provided with an informationprocessing unit.

In the above described aspect, the second member can be provided with aninformation processing unit.

In the above described aspect, the information storage unit can beprovided with an information storage medium part through which anindependent information storage medium can be inserted into theinformation storage unit or be removed out therefrom.

In the above described aspect, the hinge member can be provided with afirst holding member by which the apparatus can be easily held by a palmof a user while the photographing unit is enable to performphotographing.

In this case, the first holding member can be constructed to have ashape that increases a friction between fingers of the user and thefirst holding member when the user holds the information processingapparatus by its fingers.

Further, the first holding member includes a palm-held strap whichprevents the palm of the user from removing away from the outer surfaceof the information processing apparatus when the user holds theapparatus by its fingers.

In the above described aspect, the first member can be provided with asecond holding member by which the apparatus can be easily held by ahand of the user while the photographing unit is enable to performphotographing.

Further, the second member can be provided with a third holding memberby which the apparatus can be easily held by the hand of the user whilethe photographing unit is enable to perform photographing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda portable information processing apparatus which also comprises thefirst member, the second member, and the hinge member which are the sameas those of the first aspect. The another aspect of the presentinvention further comprises a photographing unit, and an exposed portionprotecting member for protecting an exposed portion of the informationinput unit when the information processing apparatus is placed on aplain surface while the outer surface of the second member is faced tothe plain surface.

In this another aspect of the present invention, the exposed portionprotecting member can have a plurality of protecting projections whichproject from a region of the outer surface of the second membersurrounding the exposed portion and height of each of which is largerthan that of the exposed portion of the information input unit.

In this case, the first member can have a plurality of depressedportions at positions of the outer surface thereof which correspond tothe plurality of the protecting projections of the outer surface of thesecond member when the first and second member are located at theportable position, the depressed portions being able to receive theprotecting projections of the second member.

In the above described another aspect of the present invention, theexposed portion protecting member can be constructed by projecting morethan the exposed portion of the information input unit from the outersurface of the second member at its region surrounding the exposedportion of the information input unit but excepting an access portion tothe exposed portion.

Alternatively, the exposed portion protecting member can be constructedby setting the connecting portion of the hinge member to the secondmember higher than the second member including the exposed portion ofthe information input unit.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a portable information processing apparatus which comprises aninformation display unit, a photographing unit, a recognizing portionfor recognizing a reception of a predetermined detection signal whichcorrespond to an operation for setting an action mode of the apparatusto a photographing mode, and a display circuit for displaying a patternwhich functions as an operation panel for operating the photographingunit, on the exposed portion of the information display unit when therecognizing portion recognizes the photographing mode.

In this still another aspect of the present invention, the informationstorage unit can be provided with an information storage medium partthrough which an independent information storage medium can be insertedinto the information storage unit or be removed out therefrom.

According to still further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a portable information processing apparatus which comprises aninformation display unit, a photographing unit, a recognizing portionfor recognizing a reception of a predetermined detection signal whichcorrespond to an operation for setting an action mode of the apparatusto a photographing mode, and a track ball operating member being able tooperate the photographing unit when the recognizing portion recognizesthe photographing mode.

In this still further aspect of the present invention, the track balloperating member is constructed to be able to indicate a position atwhich the photographing unit focusing its focusing point in the exposedportion of the information display unit while the photographing mode isset.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a portable information processing apparatus which comprises aninformation display unit, an information input unit including aplurality of operation keys, a photographing unit, a recognizing portionfor recognizing a reception of a predetermined detection signal whichcorresponds to an operation for setting an action mode of the apparatusto a photographing mode, and function setting means for settingpredetermined ones in a plurality of operation keys of the informationinput unit as photographing operation input keys when the recognizingportion recognizes the photographing mode.

In this still another aspect of the present invention, the informationstorage unit can also be provided with an information storage mediumpart through which an independent information storage medium can beinserted into the information storage unit or be removed out therefrom.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a portable information processing apparatus which alsocomprises the first member, the second member, and the hinge memberwhich are the same as those of the first aspect. This still anotheraspect of the present invention further comprises a photographing unitmounted in the hinge member, and an optical extending member opticallyconnected to the photographing unit, projecting from the hinge member ina direction crossing rotational outer lines between the hinge member andthe first and second members, and orientating its optical axis in thedirection.

In this still another aspect of the present invention, the opticalextending member can be provided at its extending end with a microphone.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided aportable information processing apparatus comprising: a first memberprovided with an information display unit and having an outer surface inwhich the information display unit is exposed; a second member providedwith an information input unit and having an outer surface in which theinformation input unit is exposed; a hinge member pivotally connectingthe first and second members with each other so that the first andsecond members can be pivotable between a portable position, where thefirst and second members overlap each other while the outer surface ofthe first member exposing the information display unit and the outersurface of the second member exposing the information input unit opposeeach other, and an open position, where the outer surface of the firstmember and the outer surface of the second member are moved away fromeach other to separate the first and second members from each other; anda photographing unit, provided in one of the first member, the secondmember, and the hinge member, and enabled to perform photographing atleast when the first and second members are pivoted by one ofsubstantially 180° and 360° with respect to each other at the openposition.

With this arrangement, the user of the portable information processingapparatus can determine, at a glance, whether the portable informationprocessing apparatus is set in the photographic mode utilizing an imagesent from the photographing unit at any specific open position or thenormal mode not utilizing an image sent from the photographing unit.Therefore, the user of the portable information processing apparatusdoes not miss a so-called shutter chance when he is to utilize an imagesent from the photographing unit, and can easily hold and operate theportable information processing apparatus.

In the information processing apparatus having this arrangement, it ispreferable that the exposed portion of the information input unit on theouter surface of the second member project from the outer surface, andthe information processing apparatus further comprise an exposed portionprotecting member for protecting the exposed portion of the informationinput unit from being brought into contact with the flat surface whenthe information processing apparatus is placed on the flat surface suchthat the outer surface of the second member faces the flat surface.

The exposed portion protecting member can have a plurality of protectingprojections projecting from a region of the outer surface of the secondmember which surrounds the exposed portion and having a height largerthan that of the exposed portion of the information input unit on theouter surface of the second member. When the information processingapparatus is placed on the flat surface such that the outer surface ofthe second member faces the flat surface, the projecting ends of theplurality of protecting projections are abutted against the flatsurface, thereby preventing the exposed portion of the information inputunit from being brought into contact with the flat surface.

When the exposed portion protecting member has the plurality ofprotecting projections, as described above, the first member preferablyhas a plurality of recessed portions at positions on the outer surfacethereof exposing the information display unit which correspond to theplurality of protecting projections of the outer surface of the secondmember, for receiving the plurality of protecting projections on theouter surface of the second member when the first and second members arearranged at the portable position.

With this arrangement, when the first and second members are arranged atthe portable position, the plurality of protecting projections will notproject from the information processing apparatus into the outer space,and the information processing apparatus can be carried easily.

The exposed portion protecting member can also be obtained by forming aregion of the outer surface of the second member which surrounds theexposed portion of the information input unit so as to project higherthan the exposed portion from the outer surface except for an accessportion to the exposed portion. When the information processingapparatus is placed on the flat surface such that the outer surface ofthe second member faces the flat surface, the projecting end of thesurrounding region of the outer surface is abutted against the flatsurface, thereby preventing the exposed portion of the information inputunit from being brought into contact with the flat surface. Whencompared to the plurality of protecting projections described above, thesurrounding region projecting from the outer surface of the secondmember allows the second member to be placed on the flat surface morestably when the information processing apparatus is placed on the flatsurface such that the outer surface of the second member faces the flatsurface.

The exposed portion protecting member can also be obtained by settingthe height of the connecting portion of the hinge member with the secondmember to be larger than the height of the second member including theexposed portion of the information input unit.

In the portable information processing apparatus having the abovearrangement according to one aspect of the present invention, when thephotographing unit is enabled to perform photographing, the exposedportion of the information display unit of the first member preferablydisplays an image photographed by the photographing unit and anoperation panel used for operating the photographing unit.

With this arrangement, when the photographing unit is enabled to performphotographing, an independent display unit used for displaying an imagephotographed by the photographing unit is not necessary, and theoperation of the photographing unit becomes easy.

If the image photographed by the photographing unit is displayed on theexposed portion of the information display unit of the first member whenthe photographing unit is enabled to perform photographing, as describedabove, the information input unit preferably includes a track balland/or a click member provided to the second member. It is preferablethat this track ball and/or the click member be arranged within a rangeof the second member which is capable of being accessed by a user'sfinger when the photographing unit is enabled to perform photographingand the information processing apparatus is held by the user, therebyallowing operation of the photographing unit.

Even when the information processing apparatus is used in the normalmode not utilizing the image sent from the photographing unit, or in thephotographic mode utilizing such an image, input to the informationapparatus can be easily performed by using the track ball and/or theclick member.

It is more convenient if the track ball and/or the click member candesignate a position on an image displayed on the exposed portion of theinformation display unit, on which the photographing unit must befocused, when the photographing unit is enabled to performphotographing.

The portable information processing apparatus having the abovearrangement according to one aspect of the present invention furthercomprises an electronic flash arranged at a position of one of the firstand second members which is far from the hinge member. The photographingunit can be arranged at a position of the other one of the first andsecond members which is far from the hinge member. If the electronicflash and the photographing unit are arranged in this manner, when thefirst and second members are arranged at a closed position or a360°-pivot or rotate position, the electronic flash and thephotographing unit are most close to each other, and when the first andsecond members are arranged at a 180°-pivot or rotate position, theelectronic flash and the photographing unit are most moved away fromeach other.

When the electronic flash and the photographing unit come closest toeach other, it is convenient for so-called closeup photographing. Whenthe electronic flash and the photographing unit are moved apart farthestfrom each other, a so-called pink-eye effect can be effectivelyprevented.

The portable information processing apparatus having the abovearrangement according to one aspect of the present invention can furthercomprise an electronic flash and an information processing unit. In thiscase, it is preferable that the electronic flash be arranged at one ofthe first and second members, and the information processing unit bearranged at the other one of the first and second members.

With this arrangement, electrical noise generated when the electronicflash emits light can be effectively prevented from adversely affectingthe information processing unit.

The portable information processing apparatus having the abovearrangement according to one aspect of the present invention can furthercomprises a microphone in one of the first and second members. In thiscase, it is preferable that the photographing unit be arranged in thehinge member or the other one of the first and second members.

With this arrangement, noise generated when the photographing unitoperates can be effectively prevented from being picked up by themicrophone.

In the portable information processing apparatus having the abovearrangement according to one aspect of the present invention, when thefirst and second members are compared with the hinge member, theinternal spaces of the first and second members are larger than that ofthe hinge member. Thus, the information processing apparatus can furthercomprise an information storage unit in one of the first and secondmembers.

When the information processing apparatus further comprises theinformation storage unit in one of the first and second members, one ofthe first and second members can be provided with an information storagemedium port which enables attachment and detachment of an independentinformation storage medium in and from the information storage unit.Since the internal spaces of the first and second members are largerthan that of the hinge member, when the information storage medium portis provided to one of the first and second members and not to the hingemember, the structure of the information storage medium port can be madesimple.

In the portable information processing apparatus having the abovearrangement according to one aspect of the present invention, at leastone of the first member, the second member, and the hinge member ispreferably provided with a holding member which facilitates holding ofthe information processing apparatus by the hands of a user for theinformation processing apparatus when the photographing unit is enabledto perform photographing.

This holding member can be formed to have a shape to fit with fingers ofthe hands of the user, when the user holds the information processingapparatus with the fingers of the hands, thereby increasing frictionwith the fingers. Also, or alternatively, the holding member can includea palm-held strap which suppresses the palm of the user from separatingfrom the outer surface of the information processing apparatus when theuser holds the information processing apparatus with the fingers of thehands, thereby holding the information processing apparatus.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above,according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda portable information processing apparatus comprising: a first memberprovided with an information display unit and having an outer surface inwhich the information display unit is exposed; a second member providedwith an information input unit and having an outer surface in which theinformation input unit; a hinge member pivotally connecting the firstand second members with each other so that the first and second memberscan be pivotable between a portable position, where the first and secondmembers overlap each other while the outer surface of the first memberexposing the information display unit and the outer surface of thesecond member exposing the information input unit oppose each other, andan open position, where the outer surface of the first member and theouter surface of the second member are moved away from each other toseparate the first and second members from each other; a photographingunit provided to one of the first member, the second member, and thehinge member; and a photographing unit operating member, arranged in aregion of an outer surface of one of the first member, the secondmember, and the hinge member, which is exposed to an outer space whenthe first and second members are arranged at the portable position, foroperating the photographing unit.

When the apparatus comprises the photographing unit operating memberarranged in the above manner, the photographing unit can be convenientlyoperated even while the first and second members are arranged at theportable position. More specifically, when this apparatus is comparedwith the portable information processing apparatus according to oneaspect of the present invention described above, while the first andsecond members are arranged at the portable position, they need not bepivoted from the portable position to a 180°- or 360°-open position forenabling the photographing unit to perform photographing. Thus, aso-called shutter chance will not be missed.

In the portable information processing apparatus having the abovearrangement according to another aspect of the present invention, it ispreferable that the photographing unit be provided to the hinge memberand have an optical viewfinder in the hinge member.

When such an optical viewfinder is employed to observe an imagephotographed by the photographing unit while the first and secondmembers are arranged at the portable position, the arrangement of thephotographing unit can be made compact, and thus the outer size of theportable information processing apparatus can be made small.

Even in the portable information processing apparatus having the abovearrangement according to another aspect of the present invention, thephotographing unit can be enabled to perform photographing at least whenthe first and second members are pivoted by one of substantially 180°and 360° with respect to each other at the open position. In thismanner, if the photographing unit can perform photographing even whenthe first and second members are at the 180°- and/or 360°-pivotposition, the portable information processing apparatus which is in usein the normal mode can be easily changed to the photographic mode. Theinformation display unit of the first member or the information inputunit of the second member exposed to the outer space can be used as anoperating member for the photographing unit. Also, the informationdisplay unit can display an image photographed in the photographic mode.

The portable information processing apparatus having the abovearrangement according to another aspect of the present invention canalso comprise an electronic flash in one of the first and secondmembers, and an information processing unit in the other one of thefirst and second members. In this case, as in the portable informationprocessing apparatus having the above arrangement according to oneaspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the electronicflash be arranged in one of the first and second members, and theinformation processing unit be arranged in the other one of the firstand second members.

The reason why this arrangement is preferable is the same as that forthe portable information processing apparatus described above accordingto one aspect of the present invention. That is, electrical noisegenerated when the electronic flash emits light can be effectivelyprevented from adversely affecting the information processing unit.

As in the portable information processing apparatus having the abovearrangement according to one aspect of the present invention, theportable information processing apparatus having the above arrangementaccording to another aspect of the present invention can furthercomprise a microphone in one of the first and second members. Thephotographing unit is preferably arranged in one of the hinge member andthe other one of the first and second members.

With this arrangement, as in the portable information processingapparatus having the above arrangement according to one aspect of thepresent invention, noise generated when the photographing unit operatescan be effectively prevented from being picked up by the microphone.

As in the portable information processing apparatus having the abovearrangement according to one aspect of the present invention, in theportable information processing apparatus having the above arrangementaccording to another aspect of the present invention, when each of thefirst and second members is compared with the hinge member, the internalspace of each of the first and second members is larger than that of thehinge member. Thus, the information processing apparatus can furthercomprise an information storage unit in one of the first and secondmembers.

If the information processing apparatus further comprises an informationstorage unit in one of the first and second members, one of the firstand second member can be provided with an information storage mediumport which enables attachment and detachment of an independentinformation storage medium in and from the information storage unit.Since the internal space of each of the first and second members islarger than that of the hinge member, when the information storagemedium port is provided to one of the first and second members and notto the hinge member, the structure of the information storage mediumport can be made simple.

As in the portable information processing apparatus having the abovearrangement according to one aspect of the present invention, in theportable information processing apparatus having the above arrangementaccording to another aspect of the present invention, at least one ofthe first member, the second member, and the hinge member is preferablyprovided with a holding member which facilitates holding of theinformation processing apparatus by the hands of the user for theinformation processing apparatus when the photographing unit is enabledto perform photographing.

As in the portable information processing apparatus having the abovearrangement according to one aspect of the present invention, thisholding member can be formed to have a shape to fit with the fingers ofthe predetermined hand of the user when the user holds the informationprocessing apparatus with the fingers of the predetermined hand, therebyincreasing friction with the fingers. Also, or alternatively, theholding member can include a palm-held strap which suppresses the palmof the user from separating from the outer surface of the informationprocessing apparatus when the user holds the information processingapparatus with the fingers of the hands, thereby holding the informationprocessing apparatus.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above,according to still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a portable information processing apparatus comprising: a firstmember provided with an information display unit and having an outersurface in which the information display unit is exposed; a secondmember provided with an information input unit and having an outersurface in which the information input unit is exposed; a hinge memberpivotally connecting the first and second members so that the first andsecond members can be pivotable between a portable position, where thefirst and second members overlap each other while the outer surface ofthe first member exposing the information display unit and the outersurface of the second member exposing the information input unit opposeeach other, and an open position, where the outer surface of the firstmember and the outer surface of the second member are moved away fromeach other to separate the first and second members from each other; aphotographing unit arranged at a position of one of the first and secondmembers which is far from the hinge member; and an electronic flasharranged at a position of the other one of the first and second memberswhich is far from the hinge member, wherein when the first and secondmembers are arranged at a closed position or a 360°-open position, theelectronic flash and the photographing unit are closest to each other,and when the first and second members are arranged at a 180°-openposition, the electronic flash and the photographing unit are farthestfrom each other.

If the electronic flash and the photographing unit are arranged in thismanner, when they are moved closest to each other, as in a preferableexample of the portable information processing apparatus described aboveaccording to one aspect of the present invention, it is convenient forso-called closeup photographing. When the electronic flash and thephotographing unit are moved away farthest from each other, a so-calledpink-eye effect can be effectively prevented.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above,according to still another object of the present invention, there isprovided a portable information processing apparatus comprising: a firstmember provided with an information display unit and having an outersurface in which the information display unit is exposed; a secondmember provided with an information input unit and having an outersurface in which the information input unit is exposed; a hinge memberpivotally connecting the first and second members so that the first andsecond members can be pivotable between a portable position, where thefirst and second members overlap each other while the outer surface ofthe first member exposing the information display unit and the outersurface of the second member exposing the information input unit opposeeach other, and an open position, where the outer surface of the firstmember and the outer surface of the second member are moved away fromeach other to separate the first and second members from each other; aphotographing unit provided to one of the first member, the secondmember, and the hinge member; an electronic flash provided to one of thefirst and second members; and an information processing unit provided tothe other one of the first and second members.

If the portable information processing apparatus comprises not only thephotographing unit but also the electronic flash for the photographingunit, and further the information processing unit, as in anotherpreferable example of the portable information processing apparatusdescribed above according to one aspect of the present invention, whenthe electronic flash is provided to one of the first and second membersand the information processing unit is provided to the other one of thefirst and second members, electrical noise generated when the electricalflash emits light can be effectively prevented from adversely affectingthe information processing unit.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above,according to still another aspect of the present invention which isdifferent from the one immediately described above, there is provided aportable information processing apparatus comprising: a first memberprovided with an information display unit and having an outer surface inwhich the information display unit is exposed; a second member providedwith an information input unit and having an outer surface in which theinformation input unit is exposed; a hinge member pivotally connectingthe first and second members so that the first and second members can bepivotable between a portable position, where the first and secondmembers overlap each other while the outer surface of the first memberexposing the information display unit and the outer surface of thesecond member exposing the information input unit oppose each other, andan open position, where the outer surface of the first member and theouter surface of the second member are moved away from each other toseparate the first and second members from each other; a microphoneprovided to one of the first and second members; and a photographingunit provided to the hinge member or the other one of the first andsecond members.

If the portable information processing apparatus comprises themicrophone, in addition to the photographing unit, as described above,as in an example of the portable information processing apparatusdescribed above according to one aspect of the present invention, whenthe microphone is provided to one of the first and second members andthe photographing unit is provided to the hinge member or the other oneof the first and second members, noise generated when the photographingunit operates can be effectively prevented from being picked up by themicrophone.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, according tostill another aspect of the present invention which is further differentfrom the one immediately described above, there is provided portableinformation processing apparatus comprising: a first member providedwith an information display unit and having an outer surface in whichthe information display unit is exposed; a second member provided withan information input unit and having an outer surface in which theinformation input unit is exposed; a hinge member pivotally connectingthe first and second members so that the first and second members can bepivotable between a portable position, where the first and secondmembers overlap each other while the outer surface of the first memberexposing the information display unit and the outer surface of thesecond member exposing the information input unit oppose each other, andan open position, where the outer surface of the first member and theouter surface of the second member are moved away from each other toseparate the first and second members from each other; a photographingunit provided to the hinge member; and an optical extending member,optically connected to the photographing unit, projecting from the hingemember in a direction intersecting with rotation center lines betweenthe hinge member and the first member and between the hinge member andthe second member, and having a mirror optical system having an opticalaxis extending in the direction.

With this arrangement, while the first and second members are arrangedat the open position, when the optical axis of the mirror optical systemat the projecting end of the optical extending member is set insubstantially the same direction as that in which the exposed portion ofthe information display unit of the first member is set, the face of theuser of the portable information processing apparatus facing theinformation display unit can be photographed by the photographing unitthrough the mirror optical system without substantially degrading theimage, and the face of the user photographed by the photographing unitcan be displayed on the exposed portion of the information display unit.When this portable information processing apparatus is combined with atelephone set, it can be used as a picture telephone as well.

The optical extending member can comprise a microphone at its extendingend. With this arrangement, the user of the portable informationprocessing apparatus can record his or her own voice while observing theimage displayed on the exposed portion of the information display unit.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above,according to still another aspect of the present invention which isstill further different from the one immediately described above, thereis provided a portable information processing apparatus comprising: afirst member provided with an information display unit and having anouter surface in which the information display unit is exposed; a secondmember provided with an information input unit and having an outersurface in which the information input unit is exposed; a hinge memberpivotally connecting the first and second members so that the first andsecond members can be pivotable between a portable position, where thefirst and second members overlap each other while the outer surface ofthe first member exposing the information display unit and the outersurface of the second member exposing the information input unit opposeeach other, and an open position, where the outer surface of the firstmember and the outer surface of the second member are moved away fromeach other to separate the first and second members from each other; anda photographing unit incorporated in the first member and exposed on anend surface of the first member which is on an opposite side to theconnecting portion of the first member with the hinge member.

With this arrangement, while the first and second members are arrangedat the open position, the user of the portable information processingapparatus can observe, on the information display unit, an image beingphotographed by the photographing unit of the first member as the useropposes the exposed portion of the information display unit of the firstmember and the exposed portion of the information input unit of thesecond member. Furthermore, the image displayed on the informationdisplay unit can be processed by the portable information processingapparatus through the information input unit in various manners.

In the portable information processing apparatus having thisarrangement, the information storage unit can be provided in the secondmember without increasing the outer size of the second member and thusthe outer size of the information storage unit, when compared to a casewherein the information storage unit is provided in the hinge memberwhich has a more complicated arrangement and thus tends to have asmaller outer size than the first or second member and to a case whereinthe information storage unit is provided in the first member in whichthe information display unit and the photographing unit are provided sothat the first member does not have an enough space. Also, the secondmember can be provided with an information storage medium port forenabling attachment and detachment of an independent information storagemedium in and from the information storage unit.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectsand advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means ofthe instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments ofthe invention and, together with the general description given above andthe detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of a portableinformation processing apparatus according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram schematically showing the internal structureof the portable information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a rear view showing an information storage medium port in therear end surface of a second member of the portable informationprocessing apparatus shown in FIG. 1A, where a keyboard is provided inthe second member;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of anotherembodiment of the portable information processing apparatus of thisinvention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a screen of a liquid crystal informationdisplay in another embodiment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of still another embodiment of the portableinformation processing apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of still another embodiment of the portableinformation processing apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of still another embodiment of the portableinformation processing apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of theportable information processing apparatus of this invention, in a statethat its first and second members are arranged at a 180°-open position;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of theportable information processing apparatus in a state that its first andsecond members are arranged at a 360°-open position;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of anangle detector which is used in the portable information processingapparatus shown in FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 8B, 8C, and 8D are side views of the angle detector, where theangle between the first and second members are changed to explain theaction of the angle detector;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of theportable information processing apparatus shown of this invention, in astate that its first and second members are arranged at a 180°-openposition;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A ina state that its first and second members are arranged at a 360°-openposition;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of stillanother embodiment of the portable information processing apparatus ofthis embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a rear view showing an information storage medium port inthe rear end surface of the second member of the embodiment shown inFIG. 10A, where a keyboard is provided in the second member;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of a portableinformation processing apparatus according to still another embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of a portableinformation processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments of a portable information processing apparatusaccording to the present invention will be described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view schematically showing the outer appearanceof a subnotebook size personal computer as a portable informationprocessing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 1B is a block diagram schematically showing the internalstructure of the subnotebook size personal computer shown in FIG. 1A.FIG. 1C is a side view showing one longitudinal end surface of thesubnotebook size personal computer shown in FIG. 1A.

Referring to FIG. 1A, reference numeral 1a denotes the outer appearanceof the subnotebook size personal computer as the portable informationprocessing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention. The subnotebook size personal computer 1a has a first flatsquare member 3, a second flat square member 5, and a hinge member 6. Aliquid crystal display unit 2 serving as an information display unit isprovided in the first member 3, and the first member 3 has one sidesurface in which the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 2 isexposed. A keyboard 4a serving as an information input unit is providedin the second member 5, and the second member 5 has one side surface inwhich a plurality of keys of the keyboard 4a are exposed. The hingemember 6 pivotally connects one lateral end portion of the first member3 and one lateral end portion of the second member 5 which correspondsto the one lateral end portion of the first member 3. The rotationalcenter line between the hinge member 6 and the first member 3 and therotational center line between the hinge member 6 and the second member5 are separated in parallel to each other.

As shown in FIG. 1B, an information processing unit 4b, such as a CPU,and an information storage unit 4c which uses a detachable independentinformation storage medium, such as a PC card (Personal Computer Card),are incorporated in the second member 5, in addition to the keyboard 4a.Further, in the second member 5, a mode change switch 4d is provided forchanging a normal mode in which the computer is used as a normalinformation processing apparatus with a photographing mode in which thecomputer is used as a camera, and vice versa.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the information storage unit 4c includes aninformation storage medium port 31 exposed to one longitudinal endsurface (rear end surface in FIG. 1A) of the second member 5. An ejectbutton 32 is arranged in the vicinity of the information storage mediumport 31 to eject an information storage medium (not shown), loaded inthe information storage unit 4c through the information storage mediumport 31, from the information storage unit 4c.

The hinge member 6 incorporates a photographing unit 7a having aphotographic optical system and a charge coupled device (not shown) forconverting optical image formed on the device by the optical system toelectrical data image. A lens 7b of the photographic optical system anda lens barrier (not shown) for selectively covering the lens 7b arearranged at a longitudinal end surface of the hinge member 6 that facesin a direction (the front end surface in FIG. 1A) opposite to the onelongitudinal end surface of the second member 5 where the informationstorage medium port 31 is formed.

An electronic flash window 8b of an electronic flash 8a (see FIG. 1B) isarranged, adjacent to the lens 7b of the hinge member 6, at alongitudinal end surface (the front end surface in FIG. 1A) of the firstmember 3 corresponding to the longitudinal end surface of the hingemember 6 where the lens 7b is arranged. A microphone 9 is arrangedadjacent to the electronic flash window 8b.

The hinge member 6 is further provided with angle detector 6a, 6b (seeFIG. 1B) which detect an angle of 180° between the first member 3 andthe second member 5 when the first and second members 3, 4 are arrangedas shown in FIG. 1A. The lens barrier (not shown) exposes the lens 7bonly when the angle detector 6a, 6b detect the above described anglebetween the first and second members 3, 4.

The operation of the subnotebook size personal computer 1a according tothe first embodiment which has the above arrangement will be described.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1a is carried or is notused, its first member 3 and the second member 5 are closed to anoverlapping portable position so that the screen of the liquid crystaldisplay unit 2 and the plurality of keys of the keyboard 4a oppose eachother.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1a is used in a normal modein which the computer does not use image information sent from thephotographing unit 7a, the first member 3 and the second member 5 arepivoted away from each other in a range between 90° or more and lessthan 180° (excluding 180°) from the portable position such that they areseparated away from each other, thereby exposing the screen of theliquid crystal display unit 2 and the plurality of keys of the keyboard4a simultaneously. When the subnotebook size personal computer 1a iscarried or is not used, and is used in the normal mode, the lens barrier(not shown) covers the lens 7b.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1a is used in a photographicmode in which the computer uses image information sent from thephotographing unit 7a, the first member 3 and the second member 5 arepivoted away from each other by up to an angle of 180°, as shown in FIG.1A, and the lens barrier (not shown) is operated by the angle detectors6a, 6b (see FIG. 1B) to expose the lens 7b in the manner as describedabove. When the angle detectors 6a, 6b detect the above describedpredetermined angle, the recording portion included in the informationprocessing unit 4b (see FIG. 1B) incorporated in the subnotebook sizepersonal computer 1a recognizes predetermined angle detection signalsfrom the angle detectors 6a, 6b, and the information processing sets, onthe basis of the recognition, the subnotebook size personal computer 1ain a photographic mode, so that the subnotebook size personal computer1a serves as a camera.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1a is set in thephotographic mode, a plurality of predetermined keys of the keyboard 4aof the second member 5 serve as photographing condition setting buttonsfor setting various photographing conditions, and another onepredetermined key serves as a shutter release button. Image informationinput in the photographing unit 7a through the lens 7b is displayed onthe screen of the liquid crystal display unit 2 of the first member 3,and the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 2 serves as aviewfinder of a conventional camera.

While the subnotebook size personal computer 1a is set in thephotographic mode, the photographic optical system (not shown)automatically focuses on an object displayed at the center of the screenof the liquid crystal display unit 2, and automatically adjustsexposure. At this time, when one predetermined key of the keyboard 4aserving as the shutter release button is depressed, the imageinformation input in the photographing unit 7a through the lens 7b isstored in the information storage unit 4c of the subnotebook sizepersonal computer 1a. The information storage unit 4c can beadditionally connected to an external information storage unit (notshown) which is independent of the subnotebook size personal computer1a.

While the subnotebook size personal computer 1a is set in thephotographic mode, keys of the keyboard 4a, other than the plurality ofpredetermined keys and one predetermined key described above, are notassociated with photographing. Even if each of keys other than theplurality of predetermined keys and one predetermined key describedabove is depressed, the photographing conditions set by the plurality ofpredetermined keys described above do not change, or the imageinformation input in the photographing unit 7a (see FIG. 1B) through thelens 7b is not stored in the information storage unit 4c.

While the subnotebook size personal computer 1a is set in thephotographic mode, when a voice input mode is set by the keyboard 4avoice can be stored in the information storage unit 4c through themicrophone 9.

Concerning the opening/closing of the lens barrier (not shown), a lensbarrier opening/closing selection switch may be independently providedon the outer surface of the first member 3 or the outer surface of thesecond member 5, and the lens barrier may be opened/closed by operatingthe lens barrier opening/closing selection switch. Alternatively, thelens barrier may be opened/closed by operating a predetermined key ofthe keyboard 4a in a predetermined manner.

According to the subnotebook size personal computer 1a of the firstembodiment which has the above arrangement and operates in the abovedescribed manner, the user of the subnotebook size personal computer 1acan discriminate, at a glance, whether the subnotebook size personalcomputer 1a is currently set in the normal mode or the photographicmode, only by checking the open angle between the first member 3 and thesecond member 5.

Since the first member 3 and the second member 5 of the subnotebook sizepersonal computer 1a can be opened/closed quickly, the user will notmiss a shutter chance.

Since the plurality of predetermined keys and one predetermined key ofthe keyboard 4a can be used for operating the photographing unit 7a (seeFIG. 1B), an independent switch or switches for operating thephotographing unit 7a is or are not necessary. Though the photographingunit 7a is added to the subnotebook size personal computer 1a, theentire outer size of the subnotebook size personal computer 1a will notbe increased, or the structure of the subnotebook size personal computer1a will not be complicated.

Since the information processing unit 4b is incorporated in the secondmember 5 and the electronic flash 8a is provided to the first member 3independent of the second member 5 through the hinge member 6, theinformation processing unit 4b will be effectively prevented from beingadversely affected by electrical noise which is generated when theelectronic flash 8a emits light.

Since the microphone 9 is provided in the first member 3, thephotographing unit 7a is incorporated in the hinge member 6, and thekeyboard 4a is provided to the second member 5, noise which is generatedwhen the photographing unit 7a drives the photographic optical system(not shown) or noise which is generated when any one of the plurality ofkeys of the keyboard 4a is depressed is prevented from being stored inthe information storage unit 4c through the microphone 9.

The portable information processing apparatus according to the presentinvention is not limited to the subnotebook size personal computer 1abut can be a notebook size personal computer or an electronicpocketbook.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the outer appearanceof a subnotebook size personal computer according to another embodimentof the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the screen ofthe information display unit of the subnotebook size personal computershown in FIG. 2.

The main arrangement of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is almostidentical to the arrangement of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Thus,structural members of another embodiment identical to those of theembodiment of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as thosedenoting the corresponding structural members of the embodiment of FIG.1, and detailed descriptions of these structural members will beomitted.

Referring to FIG. 2, reference numeral 1b denotes a subnotebook sizepersonal computer according to this embodiment. The first member 3 andthe second member 5 of the subnotebook size personal computer 1b of thisembodiment are pivotal between a portable position and an open positionthrough the hinge member 6. At the portable position, the first member 3and the second member 5 are closed to overlap with each other such thatthe screen of the liquid crystal display unit 2 and a plurality of keysof the keyboard 4a oppose each other. At the open position, the screenof the liquid crystal display unit 2 and the plurality of keys of thekeyboard 4a are set apart from each other and the first member 3 and thesecond member 5 are separated from each other. In this embodiment, thefirst member 3 and the second member 5 are pivotable between the abovedescribed portable position and the 360°-open position where they arepivoted and opened apart by 360° from each other so that the screen ofthe liquid crystal display unit 2 and the plurality of keys of thekeyboard 4a are in the opposite directions.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1b is used in the normalmode in which the computer does not use image information sent from thephotographing unit 7a (see FIG. 1B), the first member 3 and the secondmember 5 are pivoted away from each other in a range between 90° or moreand less than 180° (excluding 180°), thereby exposing the liquid crystaldisplay unit 2 and the keyboard 4a simultaneously. When the subnotebooksize personal computer 1b is not used or is used in the normal mode, alens barrier (not shown) covers the lens 7b.

In this embodiment, when the subnotebook size personal computer 1b isused in the photographic mode in which the computer uses imageinformation sent from the photographing unit 7a (see FIG. 1B), the firstmember 3 and the second member 5 are pivoted away from each other by360°, as shown in FIG. 2. Angle detectors 6c, 6d (see FIG. 1B)incorporated in the hinge member 6 causes the lens barrier (not shown)to expose the lens 7b only when the first member 3 and the second member5 are pivoted away from each other by 360°, as shown in FIG. 2. When theangle detectors 6c, 6d detect this open angle, the recognizing portionof the information processing unit 4b (see FIG. 1B) incorporated in thesubnotebook size personal computer 1b recognizes predetermined angledetection signals from the angle detectors 6c, 6d, and the informationprocessing unit 4b sets, on the basis of the recognition, thesubnotebook size personal computer 1b in the photographic mode, so thatthe subnotebook size personal computer 1b serves as a camera.

In FIG. 3, the screen of the liquid crystal information display unit 2when the subnotebook size personal computer 1b is set in thephotographic mode is shown in an enlarged scale. When the subnotebooksize personal computer is set in the photographic mode, a patternfunctioning as an operation panel is displayed on the screen of theliquid crystal display unit 2 by a display circuit constituted by acorresponding portion of the information processing unit 4b and ROM inwhich the pattern is stored, etc. As this pattern, a substantial half 2aof the screen serving as a viewfinder displays a frame 10 indicating anin-focus area, and the remaining substantial half 2b serving as a touchoperation panel displays various touch operation buttons. Therefore,image information input to the photographing unit 7a through the lens 7bis displayed on the substantial half 2a of the screen of the liquidcrystal display unit 2 of the first member 3 so that this substantialhalf 2a serves as the viewfinder of a conventional camera, and aremaining substantial half 2b of the screen of the liquid crystaldisplay unit 2 serves as a touch operation panel for operating thephotographing unit 7a incorporated in the hinge member 6.

In the touch operation panel 2b shown in FIG. 3, reference numeral 11denotes a recording operation button used for storing an image displayedon the viewfinder 2a in the information storage unit 4c. That is, therecording operation button 11 serves as the shutter release button of aconventional camera.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a photographic mode switching button forchanging the type of the photographic mode. Every time it is depressed,the photographic mode switching button 12 switches the photographic modein the order of "single", "self timer", "continuous shot Low","continuous shot High", "interval photography Low", "intervalphotography High", and "single" photographic modes. The photographicmode currently set by the photographic mode switching button 12 isdisplayed at the corner of the viewfinder 2a. In the single photographicmode, every time the recording operation button 11 is operated, theimage displayed then on the viewfinder 2a is stored in the informationstorage unit 4c (see FIG. 1B) of the second member 5. In the self timerphotographic mode, the image displayed on the viewfinder 2a is stored inthe information storage unit 4c when a predetermined period of time haselapsed after the recording operation button 11 is operated. In thecontinuous shot Low photographic mode, every time the recordingoperation button 11 is operated, the images displayed on the liquidcrystal display unit 2 are continuously stored in the informationstorage unit 4c by a predetermined number of times. In the continuousshot High photographic mode, the same operation as in the continuousshot Low photographic mode occurs but at a higher speed than in thecontinuous shot Low photographic mode. In the interval photography Lowphotographic mode, while the recording operation button 11 is depressed,the images displayed on the viewfinder 2a are continuously stored in theinformation storage unit 4c at a predetermined time interval. In theinterval photography High photographic mode, the same operation as inthe interval photography Low photographic mode occurs but at a shorterpredetermined time interval than the predetermined time interval of theinterval photography Low photographic mode.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a storing mode switching button forswitching the type of the storing mode employed when an image is to bestored in the information storage unit 4c. Every time it is depressed,the storing mode switching button 13 switches the storing mode in theorder of "normal", "economy", "studio", "fine", and "normal" storingmodes. The storing mode currently set by the storing mode switchingbutton 13 is also displayed at the corner of the viewfinder 2a. Thenormal storing mode is a storing mode which is normally used. In theeconomy storing mode, the number of images that can be stored in theinformation storage unit 4c can be increased. The studio storing mode isused in recording an image with a high resolution at a location, such asa studio, where the photographing conditions are very good. The finestoring mode is used in recording an image with a high resolution at alocation other than in a studio where the photographing conditions arevery good.

Reference numeral 14 denotes an electronic flash mode switching buttonfor switching the type of the operation mode of the electronic flash 8a(see FIG. 1B). Every time it is depressed, the electronic flash modeswitching button 14 switches the electronic flash mode in the order of"automatic light emission", "forced off", "forced light emission", "slowshutter release", "external electronic flash", and "automatic lightemission" modes. The electronic flash mode currently set by theelectronic flash mode switching button 14 is also displayed at thecorner of the viewfinder 2a. In the automatic light emission mode, whenthe recording operation button 11 is depressed while an exposure meter(not shown) incorporated in the photo-graphic optical system (not shown)of the photographing unit 7a (see FIG. 1B) of the hinge member 6indicates a predetermined value or less, the electronic flash 8aautomatically emits light for a predetermined period of time. In theforced off electronic flash mode, when the recording operation button 11is depressed, light emission by the electronic flash 8a is alwaysprohibited regardless of the measured value of the exposure meter (notshown). In the forced light emission electronic flash mode, when therecording operation button 11 is depressed, the electronic flash 8aalways emits light for a predetermined period of time regardless of themeasured value of the exposure meter (not shown). In the slow shutterrelease electronic flash mode, when the recording operation button 11 isdepressed while the exposure meter (not shown) indicates thepredetermined value or less, the shutter speed of a shutter mechanism(not shown) incorporated in the photographic optical system (not shown)of the photographing unit 7a is automatically lowered to a predeterminedvalue, and the electronic flash 8a emits light for a predeterminedperiod of time in a smaller light amount than in the automatic lightemission electronic flash mode or in the forced light emissionelectronic flash mode. In the external electronic flash mode, when anexternal electronic flash independent of the subnotebook size personalcomputer 1b of this embodiment is connected to an external electronicflash contact (not shown) of the subnotebook size personal computer 1band used, the external electronic flash emits light in synchronism withdepression of the recording operation button 11.

Reference numeral 15 denotes an in-focus mode switching button forswitching the type of in-focus mode of the photographic optical system(not shown) of the photographing unit 7a (see FIG. 1B). Every time it isdepressed, the in-focus mode switching button 15 switches the in-focusmode in the order of "auto focus", "power focus", and "auto focus"modes. The in-focus mode currently set by the in-focus mode switchingbutton 15 is also displayed at the corner of the viewfinder 2a. In theauto focus mode, the focal point of the photographic optical system (notshown) is automatically set on an object displayed on the frame 10 ofthe viewfinder 2a by an automatic focusing unit provided to thephotographic optical system (not shown) of the photographing unit 7a. Inthe power focus mode, the focal point of the photographic optical system(not shown) can be set at a desired distance. This operation can beperformed through an operation button (to be described later).

Reference numeral 16 denotes a play/erase operation button. Every timeit is depressed, the play/erase operation button 16 switches thephotographic mode in the order of play mode, erase mode, andphotographic mode. In the play mode, a desired one of a plurality ofimages or an image already stored in the information storage unit 4c(see FIG. 1B) of the second member 5 can be selected and reproduced onthe viewfinder 2a. This image selecting operation can be performedthrough an operation button (to be described later). In the erase mode,the image information of the image reproduced on the viewfinder 2a inthe play mode can be erased from the information storage unit 4c.

Reference numerals 17a and 17b denote an UP button and a DOWN button,respectively. When the UP or DOWN button 17a or 17b is depressed in theplay mode, it serves as a frame feed operation button or a frame reversefeed operation button, respectively, that are used for selecting adesired one of the plurality of images or one image already stored inthe information storage unit 4c (see FIG. 1B) of the second member 5.When the UP button 17a or the DOWN button 17b is depressed in the powerfocus mode, it serves as a manual focus button for moving the focalpoint of the photographic optical system (not shown) forward or backwardat a predetermined step.

Reference numerals 18a and 18b denote zooming operation buttons forperforming a zooming operation of the photo-graphic optical system (notshown) of the photographing unit 7a (see FIG. 1B) of the hinge member 6.While the zooming operation button 18a with a letter T is depressed, atelescopic zooming operation is performed. While the zooming operationbutton 18b with a letter W is depressed, a wide-angle zooming operationis performed.

Similarly in this modification, even if any key of the keyboard 4a isdepressed while the first member 3 and the second member 5 of thesubnotebook size personal computer 1b are pivoted apart by 360° fromeach other and the subnotebook size personal computer 1b is set in thephotographic mode, the various types of modes described above that areset through the touch operation panel 2b of the liquid crystal displayunit 2 will not be changed.

Concerning the opening/closing of the lens barrier (not shown), a lensbarrier opening/closing selection switch may be independently providedon the outer surface of the first member 3 or the outer surface of thesecond member 5, and the lens barrier may be opened/closed by operatingthe lens barrier opening/closing selection switch. Alternatively, thelens barrier may be opened/closed by operating a predetermined key ofthe keyboard 4a in a predetermined manner.

The touch operation panel 2b of the liquid crystal display unit 2 can bereplaced by a pen input operation panel.

The subnotebook size personal computer 1b according to the secondembodiment can be set in the photographic mode by the angle detectors6a, 6b (see FIG. 1B) not only when the first member 3 and the secondmember 5 are at the 360°-open position where they are pivoted apart fromeach other by 360°, as shown in FIG. 2, but also when the first member 3and the second member 5 are at the 180°-open position where they arepivoted apart from each other by 180°, as shown in FIG. 1.

Similarly in this embodiment described above in detail, the user of thesubnotebook size personal computer 1b can discriminate, at a glance,whether the subnotebook size personal computer 1b is currently set inthe normal mode or the photographic mode, only by checking the openangle of the first member 3 and the second member 5.

In the subnotebook size personal computer 1b according to thisembodiment, when it is set in the photographic mode by arranging thefirst member 3 and the second member 5 at the 360°-open position wherethey are pivoted apart from each other by 360°, as shown in FIG. 2, theouter size of the subnotebook size personal computer 1b set in thephotographic mode is more compact than that of the subnotebook sizepersonal computer 1a of this embodiment which is set in the photographicmode by arranging its first member 3 and second member 5 at the180°-open position where they are pivoted apart from each other by 180°,as shown in FIG. 1A.

In the subnotebook size personal computer 1b of this embodiment, sincethe touch operation panel 2b is used for selecting various types ofoperation programs during setting the photographic mode, selection ofthe operation programs for the photographic mode is easier thanselection of various types of operation programs for the photographicmode by using the keyboard 4a in the subnotebook size personal computer1a of the first embodiment described above.

In the photographic mode, the voice input mode can be set by setting apredetermined key of the keyboard 4a or the touch operation panel 2b toa touch recording button.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a subnotebook size personal computer asstill another embodiment of the portable information processingapparatus.

The main arrangement of this embodiment is identical to the arrangementof the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thus, the structuralmembers of this embodiment identical to those of the second embodimentare denoted by the same reference numerals as those denoting thecorresponding structural members of the second embodiment, and detaileddescriptions of these structural members will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 4, reference numeral 1c denotes a subnotebook sizepersonal computer of this embodiment. In the subnotebook size personalcomputer 1c of this embodiment, recessed portions 20 are formed at fourcorners of the side surface of the first member 3 in which the screen ofthe liquid crystal display unit 2 is exposed, and projections 19 areformed at four corners of the side surface of the second member 5 onwhich a plurality of keys of a keyboard 4a are arranged. The height ofeach projection 19 is the same as to each other and is larger than thatof each key projecting from the keyboard 4a, as is apparent from FIG. 4.

Therefore, while the first member 3 and the second member 5 of thesubnotebook size personal computer 1c of this embodiment are arranged atthe 360°-open position where they are pivoted apart from each other by360° so that the subnotebook size personal computer 1c is set in thephotographic mode, when the subnotebook size personal computer 1c isplaced on a flat surface, e.g., a desktop, such that its keys projectingfrom the keyboard 4a face the flat surface, as shown in FIG. 4, theprojecting ends of the projections 19 on the side surface of the secondmember 5 are abutted against the flat surface, so that the keysprojecting from the keyboard 4a will not be brought into contact withthe flat surface. As a result, when the subnotebook size personalcomputer 1c of this embodiment is set in the play mode, the imagereproduced on the viewfinder 2a (see FIGS. 2 and 3) can be stablyobserved by many people as well as by one person. Also, when an image isphotographed by the photographing unit 7a of the subnotebook sizepersonal computer 1c of this embodiment, this flat surface can be usedin place of a tripod.

Furthermore, in the subnotebook size personal computer 1c of thisembodiment, when the first member 3 and the second member 5 are pivotedby 360° from the 360° open position shown in FIG. 4 and are arranged atthe portable position where they are closed such that the screen of theliquid crystal display unit 2 of the first member 3 and the plurality ofkeys of the keyboard 4a of the second member 5 oppose each other, theprojections 19 at the four corners of the side surface of the secondmember 5 are accommodated in the recessed portions 20 at the fourcorners of the side surface of the first member 3. Thus, the projectingends of the projections 19 at the four corners of the second member 5 donot abut against the side surface of the first member 3, so that thefirst member 3 and the second member 5 will not be prevented from beingarranged at the portable position where they are closed.

As a matter of course, the subnotebook size personal computer 1c of thisembodiment can also obtain the advantages described above that areobtained in the subnotebook size personal computer 1b of the secondembodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a subnotebook size personal computer asfurther still another embodiment of the portable information processingapparatus of this embodiment.

The main arrangement of this embodiment is identical to the arrangementof the second embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.Thus, the structural members of this embodiment identical to those ofthe second embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the samereference numerals as those denoting the corresponding structuralmembers of the second embodiment, and a detailed description of thesestructural members will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 5, reference numeral 1d denotes a subnotebook sizepersonal computer of this embodiment. In the subnotebook size personalcomputer 1d of this embodiment, a region of one side surface of thesecond member 5 surrounding the plurality of keys of the keyboard 4a ishigher than the plurality of keys of the keyboard 4a except for anaccess portion to the plurality of keys of the keyboard 4a. Thissurrounding region is higher than the keys projecting from the keyboard4a, and its projecting end is flat.

Accordingly, while the first member 3 and the second member 5 of thesubnotebook size personal computer 1d of this embodiment are arranged atthe 360°-open position where they are pivoted apart from each other by360° so that the subnotebook size personal computer 1d is set in thephotographic mode, when the subnotebook size personal computer 1d isplaced on a flat surface, e.g., a desktop, such that its keys projectingfrom the keyboard 4a face the flat surface, as shown in FIG. 5, theprojecting end of the surrounding region of the second member 5 isabutted against the flat surface, so that the keys projecting from thekeyboard 4a will not be brought into contact with the flat surface.

As a result, when the subnotebook size personal computer 1d of thisembodiment is set in the play mode, the image reproduced on theviewfinder 2a (see FIGS. 2 and 3) can be stably observed by many peopleas well as by one person. Also, when an image is photographed by thephotographing unit 7a of the subnotebook size personal computer 1d ofthis embodiment, this flat surface can be used as a tripod. Theseadvantages are identical to those of the subnotebook size personalcomputer 1c of the third embodiment described above with reference toFIG. 4.

Similarly as in the subnotebook size personal computer 1c of FIG. 4, thesubnotebook size personal computer 1d of this embodiment can also obtainthe advantages described above that are obtained in the subnotebook sizepersonal computer 1b shown in FIG. 2, as a matter of course.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a subnotebook size personal computer asstill another embodiment of the portable information processingapparatus of this embodiment.

The main arrangement of this embodiment is identical to the arrangementof the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thus, the structuralmembers of this embodiment identical to those of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 denoted by the same reference numerals as those denotingthe corresponding structural members of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2and 3, and a detailed description of these structural members will beomitted.

Referring to FIG. 6, reference numeral 1e denotes a subnotebook sizepersonal computer of this embodiment. In the subnotebook size personalcomputer 1e of this embodiment, the cross section of its hinge member 6bis different from that of the hinge member 6 of the first embodiment, asis apparent from FIG. 6. More specifically, in the cross section of thehinge member 6b of the subnotebook size personal computer 1e of thisembodiment, its connecting portion connected to the first member 3provided with the liquid crystal display unit 2 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) hasa diameter smaller than the thickness of the first member 3, and anotherconnecting portion connected to the second member 5 provided with thekeyboard 4a has a diameter larger than the thickness of the secondmember 5 including the height of the individual keys of the keyboard 4a.

Accordingly, while the first member 3 and the second member 5 of thesubnotebook size personal computer 1e of this embodiment are arranged atthe 360°-open position where they are pivoted apart from each other by360° so that the subnotebook size personal computer 1e is set in thephotographic mode, when the subnotebook size personal computer 1e isplaced on a flat surface, e.g., a desktop, such that its keys projectingfrom the keyboard 4a face the flat surface, as shown in FIG. 6, thecircumferential surface of the large-diameter connecting portion of thehinge member 6b is abutted against the flat surface, so that the keysprojecting from the keyboard 4a will not be brought into contact withthe flat surface.

As a result, when the subnotebook size personal computer 1e of thisembodiment is set in the play mode, the image reproduced on theviewfinder 2a (see FIGS. 2 and 3) of the liquid crystal display unit 2can be stably observed by many people as well as by one person. Also,when an image is photographed by the photographing unit 7a of thesubnotebook size personal computer 1e of this embodiment, this flatsurface can be used as a tripod. These advantages are identical to thoseof the subnotebook size personal computer 1c described above withreference to FIG. 4.

Similarly as in the subnotebook size personal computer 1c shown in FIG.4, the subnotebook size personal computer 1e of this embodiment can alsoobtain the advantages described above that are obtained in thesubnotebook size personal computer 1b of FIG. 4, as a matter of course.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views schematically showing the twostates of a subnotebook size personal computer as still anotherembodiment of the portable information processing apparatus of thisembodiment.

The main arrangement of this embodiment is identical to the arrangementof the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Thus,the structural members of this embodiment identical to those of theembodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 denoted by the same reference numerals asthose denoting the corresponding structural members of the embodiment ofFIGS. 2 and 3, and a detailed description of these structural memberswill be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, reference numeral 1f denotes a subnotebooksize personal computer according to this embodiment. In the subnotebooksize personal computer 1f of this embodiment, a track ball operatingmember constituted by a track ball 22 and a pair of execute and cancelclick members 23a and 23b is arranged on the lateral end surface of thesecond member 5 opposite to the hinge member 6.

The track ball 22 and a pair of execute and cancel click members 23a and23b can be used when the subnotebook size personal computer 1f is set inboth the normal mode and the photographic mode.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1f is used in the normalmode in which the computer 1f does not use image information sent fromthe photographing unit 7a (see FIG. 1B), the first member 3 and thesecond member 5 are pivoted apart from each other in a range between 90°or more and less than 180° (excluding 180°) to expose the screen of theliquid crystal display unit 2 and the plurality of keys of the keyboard4a simultaneously. When the subnotebook size personal computer 1f is notused or is used in the normal mode, the lens barrier (not shown)described above covers a lens 7b.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1f is set in the normalmode, a plurality of icons corresponding to a plurality of processingprograms can be displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal displayunit 2 of the first member 3 by operating a predetermined key or keys ofthe keyboard 4a. When a desired icon is selected by using the track ball22 and the execute click member 23a is depressed, the subnotebook sizepersonal computer 1f can be operated on the basis of a processingprogram corresponding to the desired icon. When the cancel click member23b is depressed, execution of the processing program corresponding tothe icon selected by the track ball 22 can be canceled.

When the first member 3 and the second member 5 of the subnotebook sizepersonal computer 1f are arranged at the 180°-open position where theyare pivoted apart from each other by 180° as shown in FIG. 7A, and arearranged at the 360°-open position where they are pivoted apart fromeach other by 360° as shown in FIG. 7B, the subnotebook size personalcomputer 1f can be used in the photographic mode in which the computer1f uses image information sent from the photographing unit 7a.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1f is set in thephotographic mode, as described above, the lens barrier (not shown) iscaused by the angle detectors 6a to 6d (see FIG. 1B) to expose the lens7b, as described above.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1f is set in thephotographic mode, a plurality of icons corresponding to a plurality ofprocessing programs concerning the photo-graphic mode can be displayedwithin the viewfinder 2a of the liquid crystal display unit 2 byoperating a predetermined key or keys of the keyboard 4a. When a desiredicon is selected from the plurality of icons by using the track ball 22and depressing the execute click member 23a, the subnotebook sizepersonal computer 1f set in the photographic mode can be operated on thebasis of a processing program corresponding to the desired icon.

According to some of the plurality of processing programs, when adesired region in an in-focus area 10 in the viewfinder 2a of the liquidcrystal display unit 2 is designated by the track ball 22, the focalpoint of the optical system (not shown) of the photographing unit 7a canbe set only on the desired region by depressing the execute click member23a. When the cancel click member 23b is depressed, the desired regionselected by the track ball 22 can be canceled.

According to this embodiment described above in detail, the track ball22 can be used when the subnotebook size personal computer 1f is set ineach of the normal and photographic modes, so that a desired processingprogram can be conveniently set easily and quickly.

The subnotebook size personal computer 1f of this embodiment can alsoobtain the advantages described above that are obtained in thesubnotebook size personal computer 1b of FIG. 2, as a matter of course.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of theangle detector which is used in the portable information processingapparatus shown in FIG. 1A. FIGS. 8B, 8C, and 8D are side views of theangle detector, where the angle between the first and second members 3and 5 are changes to explain the action of the angle detector.

As shown in FIG. 8A, a circular disc 25 is press fitted on a shaft 24 aseach rotational center of the hinge member 6, and a cut out is providedin the circular disc 25. A photosensor 26 is provided is such a mannerthat it moves along the periphery of the disc 25 in response to thepivot movement of the first or second member 3 or 5. The photosensor 26has a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and suppliesa light detecting signal to the information processing unit 4b when thelight receiving portion receives light emitted from the light emittingportion. Light emitted from the light emitting portion is usuallyprevented from entering into the light receiving portion by the disc 25,and can enter into the light receiving portion only when the cut outportion of the disc 25 corresponds to the photosensor 26, so that thelight receiving signal is supplied from the photosensor 26 to theinformation processing unit 4b.

Four angle detectors 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d each structured as describedabove are provided in the hinge member 6, and the two angle detectors 6aad 6b are used to detect the 180° open position of the first and secondmembers 3, 5 and the remaining two angle detectors 6c and 6d are used todetect the 360° open position thereof.

Action of each angle detector 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d will be explained withreference to FIGS. 8B to 8D. In FIGS. 8B to 8D, a portion draw by a dotline is the cut out portion of each of the angle detectors 6c, 6d fordetecting the 360° open position. FIG. 8B shows the portable positionwhere the first member 3 and the second member 5 are closed to face thescreen of the liquid crystal display unit 2 and the plurality of keys ofthe key board 4 to each other. In this portable position, the disc 25shuts off the corresponding photosensor 26 not to supply the lightdetecting signal. When the first and second members 3 and 5 are pivotedapart from each other by 180°, as shown in FIG. 8C, the photosensor 26corresponds to the cut out portion of the disc 25 of the correspondingangle detector 6a or 6b for the 180° open position so that thephotosensor 26 of each of the angle detectors 6a and 6b supplies thelight detecting signal to the information processing unit 4b and thesubnotebook size personal computer provided with the angle detectors 6a,6b is set in the photographing mode. When the first and second members 3and 5 are pivoted apart from each other 360°, as shown in FIG. 8D, thephotosensor 26 corresponds to the cut out portion (drawn by the dotline) of the disc 25 of the corresponding angle detector 6c or 6d forthe 360° open position so that the photosensor 26 of each of the angledetectors 6c, 6d supplies the light detecting signal to the informationprocessing unit 4b and the subnotebook size personal computer providedwith the angle detectors 6c, 6d is set in the photographing mode.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views schematically showing the twostates of a subnotebook size personal computer as still anotherembodiment of the portable information processing apparatus of thepresent invention.

The main arrangement of this invention is identical to the arrangementof the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thus, the structural membersof this embodiment identical to those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those denoting thecorresponding structural members of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, anda detailed description of these structural members will be omitted.

In a subnotebook size personal computer 1h of this embodiment, thephotographing unit 7a which is provided in the hinge member 6 in theembodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, is incorporated in the second member 5, asshown in FIG. 1B, and the lens 7b of the photographic optical system ofthe photographing unit 7a is arranged on one longitudinal end surface ofthe second member 5 facing in the direction along the rotation centerline of the hinge member 6 at a position being far away from the hingemember 6. The microphone 9 is arranged on one longitudinal end surfaceof the first member 3 facing in the same direction as the onelongitudinal end surface of the second member 5 at a position beingclose to the hinge member 6.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1h of this modification iscarried or is not used, the first member 3 and the second member 5 arearranged at the portable position where they are closed to overlap eachother such that the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 2 of thefirst member 3 and the plurality of keys of the keyboard 4 of the secondmember 5 oppose each other. At this time, the lens barrier (not shown)described above covers the lens 7b.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1h is used in the normalmode in which the computer 1h does not use image information sent fromthe photographing unit 7a, the first member 3 and the second member 5are pivoted apart from each other within a range between 90° or more andless than 180° (excluding 180°) to expose the screen of the liquidcrystal display unit 2 and the plurality of keys of the keyboard 4simultaneously.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1h is used in the normalmode, the lens barrier (not shown) covers the lens 7b.

In this embodiment, as in the embodiment described above with referenceto FIGS. 2 and 3, the subnotebook size personal computer 1h isautomatically set in the photographic mode when the first member 3 andthe second member 5 are arranged at a 180°-open position where they arepivoted for 180° with respect to each other and when they are arrangedat a 360°-open position where they are pivoted for 360° with respect toeach other. In this case, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,various processing operations of the photographic mode are executed byusing the viewfinder 2a and the touch operation panel 2b displayed onthe screen of the liquid crystal display unit 2.

Technical advantages similar to those of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3can also be obtained in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, while the first member 3 and the second member 5 arearranged at the 180°-open position where they are pivoted for 180° withrespect to each other, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the subnotebook sizepersonal computer 1h is set in the photographic mode, the electronicflash 8a of the first member 3 is far away from the lens 7b of thephotographic optical system (not shown) of the photographing unit 7a ofthe second member 5. Therefore, even if the electronic flash 8a emitslight in this state to photograph a person, a so-called "pink-eyeeffect" in which the pupils of human eyes are undesirably photographedin pink can be effectively prevented.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1h is set in thephotographic mode with its first member 3 and the second member 5 beingat the 360°-open position where they are pivoted for 360° with respectto each other, as shown in FIG. 9B, the electronic flash 8a of the firstmember 3 is close to the lens 7b of the photographic optical system (notshown) of the photographing unit 7a of the second member 5. When theelectronic flash 8a is caused to emit light in this state to photographa person, the electronic flash 8a is caused to emit light several timeswith a small amount of light immediately before photographing theperson, thereby effectively preventing the "pink-eye effect". Inaddition, closeup photographing is enabled.

In this embodiment, in order to prevent an image, which is displayed onthe viewfinder 2a of the liquid crystal display unit 2 in FIG. 9B, frombecoming an image which is obtained by vertically and horizontallyinverting the erecting image displayed on the viewfinder 2a of theliquid crystal display unit 2 in FIG. 9A, an image identical to theerecting image displayed on the viewfinder 2a of the liquid crystaldisplay unit 2 in FIG. 9A can be displayed on the viewfinder 2a of theliquid crystal display unit 2 in FIG. 9B by electrically processing theimage signal of the image photographed by the photographing unit 7a.

In this embodiment, when the information processing unit 4b incorporatedin the second member 5, as shown in FIG. 1B, in the embodiment of FIG.1A, is incorporated in the first member 3 provided with the liquidcrystal display unit 2, the position of the electronic flash 8a of thefirst member 3 and the position of the lens 7b of the photographicoptical system of the photographing unit 7a of the second member 5 canbe exchanged. In this case, in order to effectively prevent noisegenerated upon driving the photographic optical system of thephotographing unit 7a from being picked up by the microphone 9, it ispreferable that the microphone 9 is arranged on the longitudinal endsurface of the second member 5 provided with the electronic flash 8a, ata position which is close to the hinge member 6.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective and rear views, respectively,schematically showing the outer appearance of a subnotebook sizepersonal computer as still another embodiment of the portableinformation processing apparatus of the present invention.

The main arrangement of this invention is identical to the arrangementof the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thus, the structural membersof this embodiment identical to those of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3are denoted by the same reference numerals as those denoting thecorresponding structural members of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, anda detailed description of these structural members will be omitted.

In a subnotebook size personal computer 1i of this embodiment, in orderto allow the user of the subnotebook size personal computer 1i to easilyhold it with his or her own hands while the subnotebook size personalcomputer 1i is set in the photographic mode with the first member 3 andthe second member 5 of the subnotebook size personal computer 1i beingarranged at a 360°-open position where they are pivoted by 360° withrespect to each other and are, as shown in FIG. 10A, grips 27 made of amaterial having an appropriate friction are provided to cover onelateral end surface, which is far from the hinge member 6, of each ofthe first member 3 and the second member 5, and one lateral end surfaceof the hinge member 6 which faces outside in the above state. The grips27 have such a shape to fit the fingers of the hands of the user whoholds the grips 27. And, the grip 27 on the hinge member 6 constitutes afirst holding member, and grips 27 on the first and second members 3, 5constitute second and third holding members.

Strap attaching members 29 to which the both end portions of a strap 28are detachably connected are provided to the both longitudinal endsurfaces of the hinge member 6 in a direction along the rotation centerlines of the first member 3 and the second member 5.

Since not only the grips 27 are employed but also the both end portionsof the strap 28 are detachably connected to the pair of strap attachingmembers 29, when the subnotebook size personal computer 1i is used inthe photographic mode in the state described above, the user of thesubnotebook size personal computer 1i can stably hold the subnotebooksize personal computer 1i with his or her hands, so that a high-qualityimage having little blur can be recorded.

In the subnotebook size personal computer 1i of this embodiment, a PCcard Insertion hole 31 in which a PC card (Personal Computer Card) 30 isdetachably inserted and a PC card eject button 32 for ejecting the PCcard 30 inserted in the PC card insertion hole 31 are provided to theother longitudinal end surface of the second member 5 opposite to theone longitudinal end surface of the first member 3 provided with themicrophone 9 and the electronic flash 8a, as shown in FIG. 10A.

The combination of the PC card insertion hole 31 and the PC card ejectbutton 32 is applicable to all the embodiments, described above.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing a subnotebook sizepersonal computer as still another embodiment of the portableinformation processing apparatus according to the present invention.

The main arrangement of this embodiment is identical to the arrangementof the embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1C. Thus, the structural members ofthis embodiment identical to those of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1Care denoted by the same reference numerals as those denoting thecorresponding structural members of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1C,and a detailed description of these structural members will be omitted.

In a subnotebook size personal computer 1j of this embodiment, a mirroroptical system 33 which forms a desired optical path by utilizing acombination of a plurality of mirrors is added to the photographicoptical system (not shown) of the photographing unit 7a (see FIG. 1B) ofthe hinge member 6. The mirror optical system 33 directs the opticalpath of the photographic optical system, which almost extends in thehinge member 6 in the direction of the pair of rotation center lines ofthe hinge member 6, in a direction substantially perpendicular to therotation center lines in outside of the hinge member 6. The mirroroptical system 33 is housed in an optics housing member 33a which ispivotal about its base attached to the hinge member 6. A microphone 34and a transparent cover 33b which cover the port of the mirror opticalsystem 33 are arranged at the extending end of the optics housing member33a.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1j of this embodiment isused, the outer side surface of the second member 5 in which theplurality of keys of the keyboard 4 is not exposed is placed on the flatsurface, e.g., a desktop, and the first member 3 having the liquidcrystal display unit 2 is pivoted apart from the second member 5 throughthe hinge member 6 within a range between about 90° and about 180°(including 180°).

The subnotebook size personal computer 1j of this embodiment can beselectively set in the normal mode in which the computer 1j does not useimage information sent from the photographing unit 7a and thephotographic mode in which the computer 1j uses image information sentfrom the photographing unit 7a in accordance with a key operation of thekeyboard 4 in a predetermined manner.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1j is set in thephotographic mode, the extending end of the optics housing member 33a isdirected toward the user (not shown) facing the subnotebook sizepersonal computer 1j, as shown in FIG. 11. Then, the image of the usercan be displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 2.When the keyboard 4 is operated while the subnotebook size personalcomputer 1j is set in the photographic mode, in the same manner as inthe embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C, theimage (including not only an image currently being photographed throughthe mirror optical system 33 but also an image stored in an informationstorage unit 4c (see FIG. 1B) of the subnotebook size personal computer1j and reproduced on the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 2)displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 2 can beprocessed by various types of processing programs.

In this embodiment, when the subnotebook size personal computer 1j isconnected to the telephone line and is used in combination with atelephone set, the subnotebook size personal computer 1j can also beused as the image display of a picture telephone.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing a subnotebook sizepersonal computer as still another embodiment of the portableinformation processing apparatus of the present invention.

The main arrangement of this embodiment is identical to the arrangementof the embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1C. Thus, the structural members ofthis embodiment identical to those of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1Care denoted by the same reference numerals as those denoting thecorresponding members of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1C, and adetailed description of these structural members will be omitted.

In a subnotebook size personal computer 1k of this embodiment, thephotographing unit 7a, which is provided to the hinge member 6 in theembodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1C, as shown in FIG. 1B, is incorporated inthe first member 3 having the liquid crystal display unit 2. The lens 7bof the photographic optical system of the photographing unit 7a isarranged on the other lateral end surface of the first member 3 oppositeto one lateral end surface thereof connected to the hinge member 6. Thelens 7b is combined with a lens barrier (not shown) which is opened andclosed selectively.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1k of this embodiment is notused, the first member 3 and a second member 5 are arranged at theportable position where they are closed to overlap each other such thatthe screen of the liquid crystal display unit 2 of the first member 3and the plurality of keys of the keyboard 4 (see FIG. 1A) of the secondmember 5 oppose each other. At this time, the lens barrier (not shown)covers the lens 7b.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1k is used in the normalmode in which the computer 1k does not use an image photographed by thephotographing unit 7a, the first member 3 and the second member 5 arepivoted apart from each other within a range between 90° or more and180° and less (including 180°) to expose the screen of the liquidcrystal display unit 2 and the plurality of keys of the keyboard 4simultaneously. Then, the subnotebook size personal computer 1k is setin the normal mode by operating the keyboard 4.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1k is used in the normalmode, the lens barrier (not shown) covers the lens 7b.

After the subnotebook size personal computer 1k is set in the normalmode, when the keyboard 4 (see FIG. 1A) is further operated, the varioustypes of processing programs of the normal mode can be executed.

In the subnotebook size personal computer 1k of this embodiment, thesubnotebook size personal computer 1k can be set in the photographicmode by operating the keyboard 4. In setting the subnotebook sizepersonal computer 1k in the photographic mode, the first member 3 andthe second member 5 are pivoted apart from each other within a rangebetween about 90° and 360° so that an image displayed on the screen ofthe liquid crystal display unit 2 of the first member 3 can be observed.Then, the subnotebook size personal computer 1k is placed on a flatsurface, e.g., a desktop, such that the screen of the liquid crystaldisplay unit 2 faces upward, as shown in FIG. 12, or is held by theuser's hand.

When the subnotebook size personal computer 1k is set in thephotographic mode, the lens barrier (not shown) exposes the lens 7b.

The user can change the photographing direction of the lens 7b bychanging the pivot angle of the first member 3 with respect to thesecond member 5. In the same manner as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A to1C, when the user operates the keyboard 4 while the subnotebook sizepersonal computer 1k is set in the photographic mode, the image(including not only an image currently being photographed through thelens 7b but also an image stored in the information storage unit 4c (seeFIG. 1B) of the subnotebook size personal computer 1k and reproduced onthe liquid crystal display unit 2) displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay unit 2 can be processed by various types of processing programs.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details, and representative devices shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable information processing apparatuscomprising:a first member provided with an information display unit,said first member having an outer surface for exposing the informationdisplay unit; a second member provided with an information input unit,said second member having an outer surface for exposing the informationinput unit; a hinge member pivotally connecting said first and secondmembers with each other so that said first and second members arepivotable between: (i) a portable position in which said first andsecond members overlap each such that the outer surface of said firstmember and the outer surface of said second member oppose each other,and (ii) an open position in which the outer surface of said firstmember and the outer surface of said second member are moved away fromeach other so as to separate said first and second members from eachother; an angle detector for detecting at least one of an angle ofsubstantially 180° and 360° between said first and second members whilesaid first and second members are rotated in the open position; and aphotographing unit which is enabled to perform a photographing operationwhen said angle detector detects at least one of the angle ofsubstantially 180° and 360° between said first and second members;wherein said information display unit provided in said first memberincludes a display for displaying photographic image informationobtained by said photographing unit, and wherein said information inputunit provided in said second member includes at least one of: (i) aphotographic conditions setting device for setting various photographingconditions of said photographing unit, and (ii) a shutter release devicefor controlling a shutter of said photographing unit.
 2. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said photographing unit is provided insaid hinge member.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one ofsaid first member and said second member is provided with a microphonefor inputting sound information corresponding to said photographic imageinformation obtained by said photographing unit.
 4. An apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein said first member is provided with anelectronic flash which is operable together with said photographingunit, and said second member is provided with an information processingunit for processing said photographic image information obtained by saidphotographing unit.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein saidfirst member is provided with an information processing unit forprocessing said photographic image information obtained by saidphotographing unit, and said second member is provided with anelectronic flash which is operable together with said photographingunit.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographingunit is provided in said first member.
 7. An apparatus according toclaim 6, wherein said second member is provided with a microphone forinputting sound information corresponding to said photographic imageinformation obtained by said photographing unit.
 8. An apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein:said second member is provided with anelectronic flash which is operable together with said photographingunit, the photographing unit and the electronic flash are closest toeach other when said first and second members are located at one of theportable position and the open position in which the angle between saidfirst and second members is 360°, and the photographing unit and theelectronic flash are most moved away from each other when said first andsecond members are located at the open position in which the anglebetween said first and second members is 180°.
 9. An apparatus accordingto claim 8, wherein said first member is provided with an informationprocessing unit for processing said photographic image informationobtained by said photographing unit.
 10. An apparatus according to claim6, wherein the photographing unit is provided in said first member suchthat the photographing unit is exposed at an end surface of said firstmember which is located opposite to a connecting portion of said firstmember to said hinge member.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said photographing unit is provided in said second member. 12.An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said second member isprovided with a microphone for inputting sound information correspondingto said photographic image information obtained by said photographingunit.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein:said first memberis provided with an electronic flash which is operable together withsaid photographing unit, the photographing unit and the electronic flashare closest to each other when said first and second members are locatedat one of the portable position and the open position in which the anglebetween said first and second members is 360°, and the photographingunit and the electronic flash are most moved away from each other whensaid first and second members are located at the open position in whichthe angle between said first and second members is 180°.
 14. Anapparatus according to claim 13, wherein said second member is providedwith an information processing unit for processing said photographicimage information obtained by said photographing unit.
 15. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said second member is provided with aninformation storage unit for storing said photographic image informationobtained by said photographing unit.
 16. An apparatus according to claim15, wherein the information storage unit is provided with an informationstorage medium port through which an independent information storagemedium can be inserted into the information storage unit and removedtherefrom.
 17. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said hingemember is provided with a first holding member which enables saidapparatus to be easily held in a palm of a user when the photographingunit is enabled to perform a photographing operation.
 18. An apparatusaccording to claim 17, wherein said first holding member is shaped toincrease friction between a user's fingers and the first holding memberwhen the user holds said information processing apparatus with theirfingers.
 19. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said firstholding member includes a palm-held strap which prevents the palm of theuser from being moved away from the outer surface of said informationprocessing apparatus when the user holds said apparatus with theirfingers.
 20. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said firstmember is provided with a second holding member which enables saidapparatus to be easily held in a hand of a user when the photographingunit is enabled to perform a photographing operation.
 21. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said second member is provided with athird holding member which enables said apparatus to be easily held in ahand of a user when the photographing unit is enabled to perform aphotographing operation.
 22. A portable information processing apparatuscomprising:a first member provided with an information display unit,said first member having an outer surface for exposing the informationdisplay unit; a second member provided with an information input unit,said second member having an outer surface for exposing the informationinput unit; a hinge member pivotally connecting said first and secondmembers with each other so that said first and second members arepivotable between: (i) a portable position in which said first andsecond members overlap each such that the outer surface of said firstmember and the outer surface of said second member oppose each other,and (ii) an open position in which the outer surface of said firstmember and the outer surface of said second member are moved away fromeach other so as to separate said first and second members from eachother; a photographing unit for performing a photographing operation,said photographing unit being mounted in said hinge member; and anoptical extending member optically connected to the photographing unit,said optical extending member projecting from said hinge member in adirection crossing rotational outer lines between said hinge member andsaid first and second members, and including means for orienting anoptical axis of said photographing unit in a given direction; whereinsaid information display unit provided in said first member includes adisplay for displaying photographic image information obtained by saidphotographing unit, and wherein said information input unit provided insaid second member includes at least one of: (i) a photographicconditions setting device for setting various photographing conditionsof said photographing unit, and (ii) a shutter release device forcontrolling a shutter of said photographing unit.
 23. An apparatusaccording to claim 22, wherein said optical extending member is providedat its extending end with a microphone for inputting sound informationcorresponding to said photographic image information obtained by saidphotographing unit.